Just when the Texas Longhorns seemed to be in control of their CFP quarterfinal matchup with the Arizona State Sun Devils, Cam Skattebo took over the Peach Bowl.
Skattebo, Arizona State's do-everything running back, carried the Sun Devils during a fourth-quarter rally that erased a 24-8 Texas edge heading into the final period and eventually forced overtime.
While Texas prevailed over Skattebo's Sun Devils in double overtime, the senior running back finished with 269 total yards and three total touchdowns (two rushing and one passing).
Those numbers are eye-popping, but there is plenty that Skattebo did on and off the field that showed just how big of an impact he had for the Sun Devils on Wednesday. Let's take a look at five moments that mattered.
Skattebo outperformed the Longhorns late
When Skattebo rumbled into the end zone on a two-yard touchdown and subsequent two-point conversion that tied the contest at 24 with 5:00 left, he had totaled 257 yards (132 on the ground, 63 receiving and 42 passing). That yardage number was more than the Longhorns had totaled as a team to that point (229).
CAM SKATTEBO WITH THE TD AND 2-PT CONVERSION‼️
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2025
ALL. TIED. UP. pic.twitter.com/ZizYnUcIMq
Skattebo's touchdown toss
With Arizona State's offense needing some kind of boost early in the fourth quarter, the Sun Devils went to the trick play portion of the playbook. That meant Skattebo would show off his arm, throwing just his second pass of the season and stunning the Longhorns on a 4th-and-2 play.
Skattebo made the most of the opportunity, lobbing a 42-yard touchdown pass to Malik McClain.
CAM SKATTEBO WITH THE 42-YARD TD PASS ON FOURTH DOWN pic.twitter.com/CksEs2NL4K
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2025
Skattebo's toughness
Before Skattebo took over the game in the fourth quarter, he had to overcome his own illness as cameras caught the aftermath of him "vomiting profusely" on the sidelines.
Whatever was bothering him, Skattebo shook it off quickly as he would be back on the field to throw his touchdown pass and ignite the Arizona State rally.
Skattebo's leadership
Before Arizona State began its fourth-quarter rally, it looked as if Texas would run away with the game. Texas led 14-3 after one quarter and it seemed as if Arizona State had no answers on offense as the Sun Devils sputtered.
That's when Skattebo took it upon himself to voice his frustrations on the sidelines and try to fire up his teammates.
Do you think Cam Skattebo is pissed off? pic.twitter.com/ZLBbiMZ0sJ
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) January 1, 2025
While Arizona State didn't respond immediately, Skattebo made it clear he wasn't going to let the Sun Devils get blown out on their biggest stage of the season.
Skattebo coming through in the big moments
Arizona State fed off Skattebo's athleticism and energy in the fourth quarter, trying to find any way to get him the ball. That included a reception in the fourth quarter that gave Skattebo a chance to show off his skills and his toughness.
CAM SKATTEBO IS FEELING IT‼️ pic.twitter.com/8apa3WMJKe
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) January 1, 2025
Arizona State's last score of the day showed off Skattebo's toughness as well. Needing to come off the field for a break, he came back and burrowed through the Longhorns for the overtime touchdown (with a big assist from offensive lineman Kyle Scott).
SKATTEBO GIVES ARIZONA STATE THE LEAD IN OT‼️ pic.twitter.com/L1IDhCL0xe
— ESPN (@espn) January 1, 2025
More must-reads:
Get the latest news and rumors, customized to your favorite sports and teams. Emailed daily. Always free!